3 candidates seek House 65 seat in southwest Alabama

MONTGOMERY, Ala. -- 3 candidates will vie for the House District 65 seat, comprising Washington, Clarke and Choctaw counties.

Democrats Elaine Beech and Ozelle L. Hubert will face off in the Sept. 15 primary for the seat, while Republican Jerry Reed won the Republican nomination by default today.

Beech, 49, of Chathom, is a pharmacist and member of the Washington County Board of Education. Hubert, 62, of Jackson, is also a pharmacist, and has never been elected to public office.

Reed, 67, is a retired insurance agent and educator from Jackson who has never held public office.

The seat was vacated by Democrat Marc Keahey of Grove Hill, who was elected to the state Senate in June.

If neither Democratic candidate wins a majority of votes in the primary, a run-off will be held on Nov. 3, with the general election taking place on Dec. 15. If no run-off is needed, the general election will take place on Nov. 3.